§ Mr. Costainasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the current level of brick production and supply.
§ Mr. AmeryDuring the first five months of 1971 brick production has been 5.4 per cent. higher than in the comparable period of 1970; deliveries have been 12.3 per cent. higher. I discussed the situation with representatives of the Brick Development Association on 21st July. They told me that there is no shortage of facing bricks. There are, however, temporary and local shortages of common bricks, the demand for which remained high during the winter, thus preventing a build-up of stocks. Brick-makers have already introduced additional capacity which should shortly meet the increased demand. I am continuing to watch the situation closely.